Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Jordan’s telecommunications sector is booming with nearly 798,800 fixed broadband subscriptions and a 69% market share for fiber internet. The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission’s report highlights robust high-speed internet demand, mobile broadband growth, and 5G adoption, reflecting the nation’s rapid digital transformation and technological advancements.
Egyptian fintech Qardy raised a seven-figure pre-seed round from White Field Ventures, Vastly Valuable Ventures, and angel investors. Founded in 2022, Qardy connects MSMEs with financial institutions. The investment will enhance Qardy’s platform, expand services in the MENA region, and accelerate growth in KSA, emphasizing transparency and customer satisfaction.
Orange Jordan emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities, maintaining GEEIS certification standards. Initiatives include increasing female representation in leadership, the “Hello Women” program for digital and technical jobs, and a 36% increase in female hires in 2023. These efforts make Orange an employer of choice in Jordan and the region.
Telecom Egypt has signed a multi-year agreement with Mada Communications to be its preferred strategic international SMS service provider. This partnership will leverage Mada®’s expertise to enhance Telecom Egypt’s A2P messaging services, improve customer experience, and maximize messaging revenues through secure and innovative communication solutions.
The MENA Fintech Association has launched its Bahrain Chapter, led by Suzy Al Zeerah of Bahrain FinTech Bay. The chapter aims to foster fintech innovation, collaboration, and growth in Bahrain by promoting cutting-edge technologies, providing resources and mentorship, and facilitating global partnerships to position Bahrain as a leading fintech hub.
The Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) has released the 3rd edition of the “Digital and Space Sustainability in Saudi Arabia” report. It highlights key initiatives and 13 success stories in environmental, economic, and social sustainability, showcasing the pivotal role of IT and space technologies in achieving sustainable development goals.
UAE telecom operators e& and du paid AED3.54 billion in federal royalty for H1 2024, down from AED3.73 billion in H1 2023. The new royalty guidelines exclude international profits, applying a 38% rate on UAE net profits and a 9% corporate tax rate.
Discovery has partnered with Intigral to provide Discovery+ content to Jawwy TV subscribers in Saudi Arabia. The deal includes a Discovery+ branded area, access to seven Discovery linear channels, and future availability of the Discovery+ app for mobile customers in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
Oracle has opened its second public cloud region in Saudi Arabia, in Riyadh, as part of a $1.5 billion investment. This expansion aims to meet growing demand for AI and cloud services, enabling organizations to modernize applications and innovate with data, analytics, and AI, enhancing the kingdom’s digital economy.
Batelco has partnered with Brave Combat Federation to make premium martial arts content more accessible and affordable. This partnership integrates Brave TV subscriptions with Batelco services, allowing customers to subscribe to Brave CF’s premium content at a reduced rate and enjoy top-tier martial arts action.